NHL goaltender Carter Hart, a former member of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team who was recently cleared of charges in a sexual assault case, is set to join the Vegas Golden Knights.
The announcement of Hart’s move was made by the NHL team on Thursday. While specific details of the agreement were not provided, several media reports indicated that Hart has signed a professional tryout agreement with the Golden Knights.
Although Hart is currently under suspension by the NHL until Dec. 1, he has been permitted to sign with a team starting Wednesday while awaiting reinstatement.
Speaking to reporters at the Golden Knights’ facility in Las Vegas, Hart expressed his gratitude and excitement for the opportunity, stating his desire to showcase his true character and passion for the game of hockey after a challenging period away from the sport.
Hart, along with Michael McLeod, Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton, faced allegations of sexual assault following an incident at a 2018 gala celebrating the Canadian world junior team’s gold medal. The players were acquitted on July 24 after a trial in London, Ont.
Hart is the first of the acquitted players to secure a contract with an NHL team. McLeod has since signed with a team in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League, while Formenton is pursuing his professional hockey career in Switzerland.
Following the trial outcome, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman emphasized that each team would make its own decisions regarding the players’ status, ensuring compliance with league standards. The Ottawa Senators general manager previously indicated that Formenton would not be returning to the organization.
Despite the players being cleared of criminal charges, the NHL denounced their behavior as falling short of the league’s values and standards. The league allowed the players to re-sign contracts no earlier than Oct. 15, with eligibility to compete in NHL games resuming no sooner than Dec. 1, resulting in nearly two years away from the league.
Hart, who hails from Sherwood Park, Alberta, played his initial six NHL seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers before becoming a free agent following the 2023-24 season.
Dan Mason, a sports management professor at the University of Alberta, remarked that Hart’s return to the NHL was anticipated given his prior track record. Mason highlighted the perceived shielding of the Golden Knights by the NHL, which had conducted due diligence and approved the acquittal players’ participation in the league.
The Vegas Golden Knights, considered strong contenders for the Stanley Cup this season, have been rotating goaltending responsibilities between Adin Hill and Akira Schmid. Hill has faced challenges with two extra-time losses, a 3.60 goals-against average, and an .845 save percentage, while Schmid has demonstrated solid performance with two wins, a 1.80 GAA, and a .929 save percentage in two games.
